Man Crawling Out of the Grave 1

In the third scene, Sasuke clutched his head and screamed. Tears and snot covered his entire face. His world collapsed in that instant—the brother he had admired most had become the enemy he hated most.

Itachi looked down at his broken little brother, his voice icy. "My foolish little brother, if you want to kill me, then hate me. Despise me. Run, run, and live on in an ugly, miserable way. Then come find me when you have eyes like mine!"

With that, Itachi turned and walked toward the door, leaving Sasuke curled up on the floor, sobbing.

"Wait."

Sasuke suddenly raised his head. A tomoe Sharingan appeared in his eyes. Under the extreme emotional shock, he had finally awakened it.

"The Uchiha Clan's Bloodline Limit... I'll kill you!"

"Itachi!"

Sasuke snatched up a Kunai from the table and charged at his brother, only to be knocked to the ground by another simple taijutsu move. The Kunai clanged as it flew into the distance. Sasuke's face was pressed into his parents' pool of blood as Itachi sneered. "Come find me for revenge when you truly become stronger."

The blood moon still hung high above, while the Uchiha Clan District was as silent as a graveyard.

Inside a building near the Uchiha Clan District in Konoha, the village's higher-ups had gathered.

Suddenly, a black shadow flashed into view. An Anbu ninja dropped to one knee.

"Third Hokage-sama, something terrible has happened!"

"A massacre has occurred. A large number of corpses have been found within the clan."

"What?"

"How could this happen?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was filled with shock.

A trace of contempt flashed through Supreme Danzo's eyes. What an act!

Still, Supreme Danzo was in an excellent mood. He immediately raised his cane and pointed toward the Uchiha Clan District. "Ninjas, enter the Uchiha Clan District at once and investigate. Capture the culprit at all costs!"

After saying that, Supreme Danzo hurried out.

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, activating the emergency plan. "Notify the Anbu to seal all entrances and exits of Konoha."

"Yes!" The Anbu ninja bowed to accept the order, then flashed away and vanished.

Only Hiruzen Sarutobi remained in the hall. He stared out the window alone, the corners of his lips lifting into a barely noticeable smile.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag from his expensive old tobacco. Today's smoke seemed especially fragrant—good for the lungs.

As Konoha's leader, he knew the village's situation like the back of his hand. It was simply a matter of whether he wanted to know.

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, the disappearance of both the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan was a good thing for everyone. The villagers would no longer have to fear and suspect the inherently evil Uchiha Clan every day.

Though the villagers would still suspect the Uchiha Clan and believe they had manipulated public opinion.

A gentle breeze passed by. At some point, another figure had appeared behind the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not move at all, remaining as steady as a rock. Only the corner of his eye faintly watched the person behind him.

With his back to the newcomer, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a choked voice.

"Why did it come to this?"

"Fuyue and I had clearly worked so hard for so long..."

"Itachi, don't worry. I've already sent everyone else away."

"Thank you for your trouble, Third Hokage-sama."

Itachi nodded, his low voice sounding out.

"In any case, this has finally allowed Konoha to avoid a civil war. The village's peace has been preserved."

Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a deep sigh. "I am deeply regretful, and deeply sorry. I failed to find a better solution."

Itachi's gaze was melancholy. "I'm sorry, Third Hokage-sama. We did not heed your advice."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "The one who should apologize is me. It was Fuyue's and my incompetence that forced you to bear all of this."

As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he slowly turned around and looked at Itachi with pity.

"Have you prepared yourself mentally?"

"From now on, Konoha will list you as a rogue ninja. You will become the murderer who slaughtered his entire clan. From now on, all of Konoha—no, the entire Shinobi World—will hunt you down."

Itachi's expression remained melancholy.

"That is only natural."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was sorrowful. "What are your plans for the future?"

Itachi rubbed his forehead and spoke with a determined gaze. "I will continue doing what a Konoha ninja should do. Even if I become a wanted criminal, I will still silently protect Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi feigned shock. "Itachi, you truly are outstanding. In you, I seem to see the endless shadows of my senior brothers."

As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, old tears ran down his face. "Even his descendant, Shisui Uchiha, was so outstanding."

"Yes. Shisui was my closest friend. I will inherit his will."

"But Itachi, what exactly do you intend to do?"

Itachi said softly, "During this operation, I remembered someone's power. He is very strong. I will remain in his organization and monitor him. I cannot allow him to do anything that harms Konoha. It is also to protect my little brother, Sasuke."

"Third Hokage-sama, can you give me a promise?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded solemnly.

"Of course. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to protect Sasuke's life, safety, and healthy growth."

"But regarding Sasuke's hatred for you, there is nothing I can do." Itachi's gaze turned melancholy.

"I had already prepared myself to bear every insult and accusation. That naturally includes his share as well."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

"Go. Konoha's barrier and defenses will not undergo any major changes. You can come back to see Sasuke from time to time."

To be honest, no matter what, Hiruzen Sarutobi would find a way to keep Sasuke in Konoha. If Sasuke was not under his control, Hiruzen Sarutobi would not feel at ease letting Itachi leave. Itachi slowly turned and walked outside.

"I'm sorry. Those on the same team as Itachi cannot understand the Third Hokage..."